A March 1983 photo showed Afghan Mujahideen fighters there. Reagan called them "an inspiration to those who love freedom."

He called Nicaraguan Contra killers "our brothers, these freedom fighters and we owe them our help. They are the moral equal of our founding fathers."

History doesn't just rhyme. It repeats in horrifyingly disturbing ways.

Wherever America shows up, deaths, mass destruction, and brutal atrocities follow. Countries are ravaged one at a time or in multiples. Millions die. Appalling crimes are committed.

Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya tasted US-style liberation. Since winter 2011, Syria's been systematically ravaged. No end of conflict appears near. Many dozens or hundreds die daily. The worst is yet to come.

"The government is strong. The Syrian army is strong, and the Syrian people are still rallying behind President Assad. That's why President Assad and the political system are still surviving and they will still survive."

Hopefully the fullness of time will prove him right. Daily violence casts a pall over Syria's future.

On Friday, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta visited US forces at Turkey's Incirlik Air Base. Washington shares it. He said Patriot batteries can shoot down aircraft and short-range missiles.

Deploying them, he claimed, will "help Turkey have the kind of missile defense it may very well need to deal with the threats coming out of Syria."

None exist. He knows it. He's fooling no one. Patriot batteries are provocative. Installing them is for offense, not defense. Doing so heightens risks. In place, they'll likely be used. Full-scale intervention may follow.

Deputy NATO Secretary-General Jesper Vahr warned Syria that "messing with Turkey means messing with NATO." He barely stopped short of declaring war. Doing it perhaps is imminent. Events bear close watching. Post-holiday season may prove most threatening.

They're fully operational. What's next bears watching. January events may signal what follows.

Russian/US relations are at a "dangerous crossroads." Russian citizens in Syria are targeted. So are foreign journalists.

In September, Press TV's Maya Naser was murdered in cold blood. At the same time, its Damascus bureau chief Hosein Mortada was shot in the back and wounded. Both reporters were covering Damascus bomb blasts when targeted.

They and other independent journalists receive frequent death threats. They courageously stay and do their job. Some like Maya pay with their lives. Hosein was flown to Tehran for surgery.

Syria is one of the world's most dangerous places for journalists. Those doing their job responsibly are most vulnerable. Cutthroat killers target them.

Since conflict erupted last year, around six dozen journalists died. Many independent ones succumbed. Major media ones included London Sunday Times reporter Marie Colvin and New York Times columnist Anthony Shadid. Officially an asthma attack took him. Death by drowning is more likely.

Alawites and others considered Assad loyalists are imperiled. Many bravely hold firm. The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) said residents of Aleppo's al-Sabil neighborhood turned out in force.

A massive pro-Assad rally was held. Support was expressed for Syria's army. Expelling foreign terrorists was urged. Syrians know who's friend and foe. They stuck their necks out saying so.

Syria's conflict indeed may be at a dangerous crossroads. What affects Assad's government imperils the region. It can't avoid what Washington plans. Nor can other nations if conditions escalate out of control. The possibility is real and ominous.

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.